In the Bible we are told to be prepared for the coming of Jesus (Mark 13:33, Matt 24:42, Luke 21:34 and 1 Thess 5:6). The story of the 5 virgins in Matthew chapter 25, is also a reminder that we should be ready because Jesus could come when we are not expecting him. In fact, everything the Bible has to say about the rapture is that it will happen suddenly: "in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor 15:52), when we least expect it. Revelation 1:7 confirms that Jesus will definitely be coming back.

I don't believe there has been very much preaching about the Lord's return in our churches, but none the less in the scriptures, we are definitely advised to be ready. I believe this means we should be thinking about it, anticipating it and excited about it. Watching for the Lord's return doesn't mean neglecting our earthly duties or guessing what date it will be, because we are told that only the Father knows that (Mark 13:32). We need to be busy about the Father's business as we wait.

The Bible doesn't tell us a whole lot about what heaven will be like but we do know this, there will be non-stop worship (Rev. 4:8), there will be no more pain and sorrow (Rev. 21:4), we will enjoy the fountain of the water of life (Rev. 21:6) and we will have unbroken fellowship with God (Rev. 21:3). Now that is cause for excitement.

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God has placed clear order and authority in our lives and it is for our benefit. In the Old Testament there were judges, prophets and kings. Through Moses father in law, Jethro, God created a whole hierarchy of leadership to judge and govern Israel (Ex 18:13-26).

We are commanded to submit to governing authorities and to pray for them (1Tim 2:1) that: “we may lead a quiet and peaceable life” (1Tim 2:2; KJV). This would involve obeying the laws of the land, including traffic speed limits; ouch! Within the church we are also to submit to and obey those leaders who walk in the love and wisdom of God. (Heb 13:17). In fact, we are to honor leaders and make their work easy, as they represent God (1Tim 5:17; Heb 13:17). Our leaders watch over us and they will answer to God for the job they do (Heb 13:17).  

In the marriage relationship, although there is to be mutual submission (Eph 5:21), the godly husband is to be the head as Christ is head of the church (Eph 5:22-33). Children are to obey their parents: “Children obey your parents---that it may be well with thee---” (Eph 6:1-3).

Order, discipline and submission were not put in place by God to limit us but to ensure our freedom, protection, prosperity and peace. When we do things God’s way, we can enjoy the abundant life Jesus came to give us (John 10:10). Try it, I guarantee that it works.

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"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection" (Phil 3:10a KJV). Is this your heart cry? That we might know Jesus, be like him and be empowered to walk and minister as he did. Paul, in his letter to the Phillippians went on to say that he had not arrived yet but he put the past behind him and pressed on to grasp what Christ had for him (Phil 3:12-14). There was nothing casual about his quest but a sense of urgent, earnest pursuit; this pressing was serious business.

In Hebrews chapter 6 and verse 1, Paul said, let's move on from the basics of our Christian walk and aim for maturity (Heb 6:1). How many Christians have a form of godliness but lack the power (2 Tim 3:5)? If we all sought after God as Paul did we would be transformed, growing in godliness and holiness and more like Christ each day.

If we want the power to change, the power to impact our world and fill it with his love and peace we need to press in as Paul did. Signs, miracles and wonders should follow the "Acts of the Apostles" church. This is the kind of church we should all be a part of; the "normal church".

We need to take our cue from the early church, immersing ourselves in the word, prayer, fellowship and unity; directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:42). Our hearts should throb with Paul's heart cry, "that I might know him"; that we may be emptied of self and be filled with him (John 12:24-25; Eph 3:19). These are the people, this is the church that will shake our world and the principalities of darkness (Eph 3:10).

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“But the just shall live by his faith” (Hab 2:4b; KJV). Jesus told his disciples to “have faith in God” (Mark 11:22). What is faith? Everyone lives by a form of faith, most by human faith. We have faith that the sun will rise each day; a child trusts the promises of his parents. Human faith is based on experience and the known character and faithfulness of others. However, sooner or later people will let us down.

Faith in God is an absolute trust and confidence in a faithful God (1Thess 5:24), who will never change (Mal 3:6), fail us, or let us down. It stands to reason then that we need to know the character, faithfulness and promises of our God.

God has given faith to each of us as Christians (Rom 12:3) but we can grow our faith by studying God’s word to us (the Bible). As we see God’s character, faithfulness and promises in his word and as we develop that absolute trust, we will receive from God as he has promised. 

You can tell if a person has faith in God as their words and actions will show it. Jesus said we should speak his word in faith to the challenges we face and they will leave (Matt 17:20). The Apostle James also said that faith without actions is dead (James 2:17). If we walk in faith our words and actions must line up with God’s word. Get in the word until you know, that you know, that you know that God’s word is true concerning the challenge you face; that’s faith. Then you will see the break through and then you will live the glorious life of faith in God.

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God gave me an object lesson one day. We had an apple tree in our garden and one summer a whole limb had only produced very small leaves and no fruit. I soon remembered that several years before I had tied a string around it. As the limb had grown the string became tighter, slowing and eventually stopping the flow of sap to the branches of the limb, causing the whole limb to die. The sap was there, the channels for it to rise in were there but the flow was impeded.

As Christians we have God on the inside of us as the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17), we have his word and his life changing wisdom. It is God, his word and his power that can change us and make us more like him each day (Phil 2:13). In fact, he says he will do this until Jesus comes (Phil 1:6). So why aren’t so many Christians and churches changing, maturing, walking in victory and impacting their world?

God told me in the object lesson above that a lack of humility was a primary reason. Being humble and walking in humility are quite similar in many ways. They mean to be completely lacking in arrogance or unhealthy pride. To see ourselves as being small of ourselves and yet invincible with God on the inside of us. Probably most importantly they mean to be teachable, to realize our need for God.

If we can humble ourselves before God, the word says he will exalt us. (James 4:10) If we are teachable and spend the time with God in his word, prayer and fellowship, he will change, mold, bless and use us. Wow, that’s what I want, how about you? 

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